Why is May’s long weekend holiday called Victoria Day?
Canada has celebrated its Sovereign’s birthday since Queen Victoria ruled
the British Empire from 1837 to 1901. Queen Victoria, a very popular queen,
was born on May 24, 1819.

After her death in 1901, the Parliament of Canada
established a legal holiday on May 24th in each year or May 25th if May 24th
fell on a Sunday. However, in 1952, the celebration of Victoria was changed
to the Monday before May 25.

This year, Victoria Day is celebrated on May 23. In 1957,
Victoria Day was permanently appointed as Queen Victoria’s Birthday
Celebration in Canada. Since that time, the birthdays of the reigning
British monarchs have also been celebrated on this day.

Traditionally, all government buildings of Canada fly the
Royal Union Flag, known as the Union Jack, as well as the Canadian Flag to
mark this day. Victoria Day weekend events:

Burnaby Village Museum May 22 - Victoria Day

Special entertainment all day long. After the parade, be
presented to Queen Victoria by her ladies-in waiting-during the Queen’s
Levée. Enjoy a piece of birthday cake.